New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) released its review of paid family leave utilization and the 2025 employee contribution rate and benefits. In determining the community rate for 2025, DFS has reviewed claims, demographic, financial, and other Paid Family Leave benefits data for calendar years 2018 - 2023 and for the first six months of 2024 for the Paid Family Leave program in New York, consistent with actuarial principles.
The 2025 PFL rate will be set at 0.388% of an employee’s wages each pay period up to and not to exceed an annual maximum employee contribution of $354.53. The table below shows paid family leave information effective January 1, 2025 compared to 2024.
| 2024 | 2025 |
Weekly Benefit (% of AWW) | 67% | 67% |
Benefit Amount | 12 weeks | 12 weeks |
NYS Average Weekly Wage | $1,718.15 | $1,757.19 |
Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,150.49 | $1,177.32 |
Maximum Annual Contribution | $333.25 | $354.53 |
Employers may begin taking deductions at the new rate starting January 1, 2025.
Additionally, the maximum weekly benefit for employees taking PFL will rise to $1,177.32 for leave that begins on or after January 1, 2025. This is an increase of approximately $26 per week compared to 2024.
Employer resources
New York State offers resources to help employers communicate Paid Family Leave updates to employees.
Model Language for Employee Materials – Updated for 2025 – provides model language you can use, either in an employee handbook or other written materials, and customize based on your PFL policies and procedures.
Employee Notice of Paid Family Leave Payroll Deduction for 2025 – a template you can use to tell employees what their expected payroll deduction will be.
Statement of Rights for Paid Family Leave – outlines employees’ PFL rights and steps to apply.
PFL At-A-Glance – provides a snapshot of the benefit, along with information on who can request PFL and how.
More Information
Want more information on Paid Family Leave? New York State offers complete details on PFL at PaidFamilyLeave.ny.gov, including a special page with updates for 2025, where you’ll find the above employer resources along with frequently asked questions and other information. Visit the employer page of the website for additional resources.
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